Start with dry hair. Mist a heat protection spray with built-in curl hold, ghd Curly Ever After, evenly through the lengths. This step matters – the hair needs protection and light hold in equal measure to keep the waves soft, bouncy and lasting.
GET THE LOOK
Wavy Ponytail: How To Get A Wavy Hair Ponytail
Learn how to create a wavy ponytail that looks effortless but isn’t. This wavy hair ponytail uses brushed-out S-waves to soften the ends and add shape through the crown, without losing control. Flirty without trying too hard, this style delivers movement without chaos. Think Hollywood waves, pulled back into a mid-length ponytail for a more wearable finish.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to recreate the wavy ponytail at home. Easy to do, easy to wear and designed to hold from morning through to evening.
SHOP THE LOOK
GHD THE DRESSER - OVAL DRESSING BRUSH
GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH
GHD THE DRESSER - OVAL DRESSING BRUSH
GHD SHINY EVER AFTER - FINAL SHINE SPRAY
NEW GHD CHRONOS CURVE GRAND TONG (32MM BARREL) FOR BIG VOLUMINOUS CURLS
GHD CURLY EVER AFTER - CURL HOLD SPRAY
GHD THE ALL ROUNDER - PADDLE BRUSH
STEP BY STEPS
PREP & HEAT PROTECTION
STEP 2.
SECTION THE HAIR
Divide the hair into clean, manageable sections. This keeps the waves consistent and makes the curling process smoother, especially through the lengths.
STEP 3.
CURL THE HAIR
Working from the front, wrap each section around ghd Chronos Curve Grand Tong, with the barrel angled downwards. Hold for 3 – 5 seconds, then release. Continue through the head, keeping the curls defined rather than loose.
DRESS OUT THE WAVES
Once all the hair is curled, gently brush through using ghd The All Rounder. Use the brush to smooth the surface as you go, keeping the tension controlled rather than tight.
CREATE FACE FRAMING
With a soft side parting, gather the hair back to the centre of the head. Use the brush to smooth out the surface as you go, keeping the tension controlled rather than tight.
CREATE FACE FRAMING
Before securing the ponytail, leave out a longer piece on one side of the face. It should feel natural first, intentional second – just enough to soften the finish.
STEP 7.
SECURE AND REFINE
Secure the ponytail in place, then lightly mist a brush with ghd Shiny Ever After and smooth over the base. Curl the face-framing piece away from the face and gently comb it back into the wave pattern.
FINAL LOOK
TOP TIPS TO REFINE THE FINISH
- Create the waves before securing the ponytail. This gives you movement closer to the base of the ponytail.
- A mid-height ponytail sits best for this look, keeping proportions balanced and modern.
- Brushing through the curls before securing prevents the finish from looking overworked.
- Leave face-framing pieces out softens the look and adds movement around the face.
- Leave face-framing pieces out softens the look and adds movement around the face.
- Less product goes further. The finish should feel controlled, not coated.
WHO THIS STYLE WORKS BEST FOR
This wavy ponytail works best on medium to long hair, where the waves have room to move through the lengths.
It suits straight or naturally wavy textures, especially when refined with a curling wand for consistency around the face and ends.
If you are looking for a ponytail that feels elevated without tipping into formal, confident without becoming stiff – this style sits comfortably in that space.
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS
Is this wavy ponytail better suited for long hair?
Yes. The technique relies on length to create movement through the ponytail, particularly once the waves are brushed out.
Can the wavy ponytail work on naturally wavy hair?
Yes. Refining the waves with a curling wand helps keep the finish consistent, especially around the face and through the ends.
Should the wavy ponytail be high or low?
While both can work, positioning it at the centre of the head keeps the look balanced and modern.